Arts in Kirkland
Kirkland is a distinguished art and cultural destination that features celebrated galleries, art and cultural organizations, individual artist and events. It’s not by accident that those who live, work, and play here have become art enthusiasts in some way. Public art greets and intrigues you throughout the City, performances happen year round and art galleries showcase traditional and new art forms. Visit the City’s tourism website to explore Kirkland’s diverse art scene.

CKC MuralThe Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission selected creative duo Jake “DKoy” Wagoner and Mike Lucero to install a large format mural located underneath the 85th street overpass. The project entitled “What is…” was created August 2 through the 16, 2017 and community members were invited to express their thoughts in response to prompts. The completed mural celebrates the CKC and wonderfully reflects Kirkland as a community.

Kirkland Cultural Arts CommissionThe Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission is a volunteer board that works to help arts, culture and heritage grow and thrive in the City of Kirkland. Along with supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout the year the Cultural Arts Commission advises the City Council on art acquisition and promotes strategic arts planning in Kirkland.

In the 2009 Strategic Plan for the Arts, Culture, and Heritage of Kirkland, the following vision statement captures the ideals of the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission:

“The City of Kirkland strongly values the integration of diverse art, culture and heritage to enrich the quality of daily life and enrich a dynamic community. Between 2010 and 2020, Kirkland will greatly strengthen the aesthetics and economy of our lakeside community by becoming a notable arts destination.”

Public ArtThe Cultural Arts Commission is charged with managing and curating the City's public art collection, including a 1% for the Arts mandate for City projects over a certain threshold. In addition, the Cultural Arts Commission has partnered with neighborhood associations as well as private developers to expand the public art offerings.

Park Lane in downtown Kirkland just got the final touches with the installation of an outdoor sculpture gallery. Curated by the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission, sculptures are displayed on a rotating basis and for sale to the public. Interested artists may submit an application (PDF-646 kb) and sculptures are accepted on a rolling basis.